Nashville’s Heart in London: How the CMA Songwriters Series Fuels Country Music’s Global Explosion
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The rising tide of Country Music popularity in the United Kingdom is a phenomenon too significant to ignore, with the genre continually charting as the fastest-growing in the U.K. year over year. Leading the charge in championing this global momentum is the Country Music Association (CMA), the world’s first trade organization dedicated to promoting a type of music, which remains deeply committed to advancing Country Music’s growth worldwide.
A cornerstone of this international effort is the CMA Songwriters Series, a critically acclaimed and highly anticipated event that annually serves as the official kickoff to the C2C: Country to Country festival in London. On Thursday, March 12, at indigo at the O2, the Series will return with an all-star lineup that perfectly encapsulates the genre’s diverse artistry and enduring commitment to storytelling.
The Power of the Round: A Universal Resonance
The Songwriters Series offers a uniquely intimate experience—the classic Nashville “writers’ round”—where the audience is invited behind the curtain to hear the stories and inspirations that fuel the hits. It is a powerful format that, as Meredith Goucher, CMA Director, International Relations & Development, notes, proves the genre’s universal appeal. “What makes this work so meaningful is seeing how Country Music continues to connect with audiences far beyond the U.S.,” says Goucher. “Every year, C2C and our Songwriters Series remind us that this genre resonates universally, its stories, its craft, its heart.”
The commitment extends far beyond the stage. Through core initiatives like the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, and its touring series like the Songwriters Series and Introducing Nashville, the organization actively supports the creators, businesses, and professionals who bring the genre to life, fostering a vibrant global community that stretches from Nashville to Australasia, Canada, and Europe.
The All-Star Lineup: A Study in Craft
The London lineup is a dynamic blend of superstars, established storytellers, and rising voices, promising a showcase that reflects the current breadth of Country Music.
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Keith Urban: A global superstar whose career is built on impeccable musicianship and crossover appeal, Urban is also a revered songwriter. His presence is a massive draw, offering fans the rare chance to hear the stripped-down stories behind his arena-filling hits.
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Kristian Bush: Known internationally as one half of the hugely successful duo Sugarland, Bush is a six-time BMI Award-winning songwriter with a keen ear for melody and narrative. He has a history with the C2C festival, having played the inaugural event, underscoring his personal connection to the growth of Country Music in the U.K.
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Aaron Raitiere: A true songwriter’s songwriter, Raitiere is highly sought after in Nashville for his ability to craft coherent and focused songs with sharp wit and lyricism. His impressive résumé includes a 2019 Grammy win for co-writing Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again” from A Star Is Born, as well as cuts for Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and Anderson East. He represents the unsung hero of the Nashville creative community.
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Ashley Cooke: One of the genre’s most exciting young voices, Cooke has built momentum through relatable, contemporary country songs like the chart-topping “Your Place.” Signed to Big Loud, her music, which has garnered collaborations with artists like Brett Young and Colbie Caillat, explores the modern emotional landscape of young adulthood with honesty and a fresh sound.
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Meg McRee: A rising star whose songwriting is marked by pleasantly unpredictable melodies and a mix of sonic influences—from Emmylou Harris to Tame Impala—McRee offers a unique, genre-blending perspective. Her acclaimed debut record, Is It Just Me?, showcases her ability to tackle life’s chaos with a foot on the ground and one in the clouds.
A Legacy of Storytellers
Since its inception in 2005, the CMA Songwriters Series has hosted over 100 shows worldwide, featuring an illustrious list of talent including Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, Nicole Galyon, and Martina McBride. Each event reinforces the simple but profound idea that the heart of Country Music lies not just in the performance, but in the truth and craft of the song itself.
The passion of U.K. fans for these Nashville storytellers remains robust, making the Songwriters Series one of the most anticipated events of the C2C weekend, and a key factor in the genre’s surging popularity.
️ Ticket Information
Tickets for this exclusive event are sold separately from the main C2C festival passes. Pre-sale began on Wednesday, December 3, for O2 Priority members, followed by the C2C past-bookers pre-sale on Thursday, December 4, at 10am GMT. General on-sale opens Friday, December 5, at 10am GMT. Tickets can be purchased via The O2 website.